False. The Abscam operation was not criticized because the amount of money involved was minuscule. Rather, it was criticized for its controversial methods and ethical concerns.
Abscam was an FBI sting operation that took place in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The operation aimed to expose corruption among public officials, particularly in Congress. FBI agents posed as wealthy Arab businessmen offering bribes to politicians in exchange for political favors. The operation resulted in the conviction of several public officials, including a US senator and several members of the House of Representatives.